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Friday, 24 June 2011

Arsenal insulted by Barcelona

"Sigh, not again!". These words aren't only of mine, but they relate to the lions-share of Arsenal supporters of whom are evidently exhausted by Barcelona's tireless pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. Never mind what others say, Cesc truly is a great player who leads by example on - and off - the pitch. We all know by now that Cesc has his mind set on moving to Barcelona in the future. However, putting all 'rumours' aside, Cesc's work-ethic over the last six years has been nothing short of word-class. Not only is he one of the most productive players in the world, but his hard work has been outstanding, which makes him the player he is today.

Since moving to Arsenal at the age of 16, in 2003 from Catalonia, Barcelona have been keen to sign the player they let go all those years ago. They feel that he belongs to the best club in the world, and that it is his - and their- duty to allow him to work alongside the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi on a regular basis (by joining Barca). That is all understandable - Barcelona want to sign a Spaniard, who has family in Catalonia, and is currently one of the best midfielder's in the world. Fair enough, right? No, not a chance.

Barcelona have been outright embarrassing in their handling of Fabregas, and Arsenal in particular. They have constantly ran their mouth away in the media begging Arsenal to release Cesc Fabregas from his "hell in London". Professional? I think not. Imagine Newell's Old Boys telling the press at every single opportunity that Messi has Newell's Old Boys' "DNA", and that he must join back in the near future. That would create havoc at the Nou Camp, complete havoc. However, as long as the player doesn't (currently) play for the European Champions, then it is OK to negotiate in such a fashion.

Which employee of Barcelona hasn't spoken about Cesc in the media? Arsenal have more important things to worry about, such as investing in quality to maintain a strong title challenge for next season, but Arsene won't be able to achieve that with Barcelona creating a huge shadow over the Londoners. As I said before, it is totally understandable that they want to 're-sign' Fabregas, but they'll surely be in a better situation if they handle the negotiations with class - and not by mouthing off to the media explaining why Cesc 'wants' to join to the club.

Today, it has been reported that Barcelona had a £27 million fee rejected for Cesc Fabregas. An insult. A total insult to Arsenal, and their captain. The Spaniard is an elite player, and only Iniesta and Xavi stop him from being recognized as the best midfielder on the planet. There have been players of inadequate technical ability going for higher or similar prices. In my opinion, the Arsenal captain is worth £50 million, and if he were to be English then that price tag would have been been reported instead of the low £27 million insult that Arsenal received last night. Cesc isn't just going to disappear. Barcelona have to pay a premium price to get their man, and with Sandro Rosell not willing to make a compromise, it seems highly likely that Fabregas will remain at Arsenal for next season. And why not? He does have a contract, and doesn't necessarily want to quit Arsenal, albeit frustrated.

I can see negotiations going on for a few more weeks, and it'll certainly frustrate Arsenal supporters, but the bond of Fabregas and Arsenal is too strong to break right now - especially with such an incredibly awful bid being offered.

Note: Sorry for the rant-esque article today - I've been meaning to write this for quite some time with the horrible manner in which Barcelona have treated Arsenal.